Cypripedium californicum is restricted in range occurring only in California and Oregon with small subpopulations of less than 10 mature individuals and rarely larger subpopulations. The area of occupancy of the speciesis 194 to 450 km2 below the 500 km2 threshold for Endangered and is known from four locations. C. californicumis under numerous threats especially habitat loss and disturbance of its restricted range due to urbanization, clear-cutting, suppression of natural disturbance regimes, logging practices, accidental trampling, climate change, mining activities and collection which cause a continuing decline of the species on the estimated locations and the destruction of some subpopulations (e.g. Marin County population is already destroyed). Therefore, C. californicumis assessed as Endangered (EN).

Cypripedium californicum usually occurs in small subpopulations with less than 10 mature individuals and rarely more than 1,000 individuals. The trend of the population is decreasing; the population in Marin County is already destroyed due to many threats (Coleman 1989, Kartesz 1994).

Cypripedium californicum occurs in a restricted habitat of serpentine seep areas, wet marshy places and riparian areas. C. californicum prefers shade and often grows with Darlingtonia californica and with Calocedrus decurrens (Incense Cedar). It flowers from June to August.